Delicious, Satisfying Tofu Recipes to Get You Out of Your Usual Cooking Routine
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An extremely versatile ingredient, tofu can take on so many different flavors and be cooked in many different ways. You can even change its texture by blending it for creamy salad dressing or breading and baking for a vegetarian take on "chicken fingers." There are so many unlikely uses for this under-appreciated ingredient. Case in point? Our recipe for Grilled Tofu with Chimichurri on Toast, which is pictured here.
Looking for more creative dinner ideas that star tofu? Start with our takeout-inspired mains, including our recipe for Mapo Tofu, served with rice, which is out of this world. Kick up the heat by cooking soft, silken tofu with bean chili sauce, fermented chili bean paste, and Szechuan peppercorns. The ground pork gives the dish heft, and ginger, garlic, and scallions add brightness. Another favorite is our recipe for Gingery Tofu Ramen Bowls, which come together in under one hour. The recipe is simple, but it doesn't skimp on flavor.
We also have some delicious sides, such as our crispy tofu fries. Next time you have a craving for French fries, try these instead! They're super satisfying, especially when served with Sriracha mayo, scallions, and a squeeze of lime.
Why not serve tofu for dessert, too? This Roasted Cherries with Tofu "Panna Cotta" is a delightful, dairy-free iteration of the traditional gelatin-based Italian treat. Juicy fruit soaked in syrup is an eye-catching and flavorful topping for creamy tofu. And would you believe that we even have a tofu recipe for breakfast? Who would want to stay in bed when the smell of cinnamon and banana is awaiting them in the kitchen? Start your day with our Vegan Banana French Toast; the custard is made with silken tofu, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. You'd never guess that it's completely dairy-free.
From Asian-inspired bowls to sweet recipes that bookend your day, enjoy our tofu recipes whenever you want a protein-packed meal.
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Gingery Tofu Ramen Bowls
Try this easy, flavorful ramen recipe that comes together in under an hour. Firm tofu and dried ramen noodles are tossed with a mixture of tamari, lime juice, maple syrup, scallions, ginger, and peanut butter. The best part is that it's vegan!
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Smoky Tofu Chili
Spiced and smoky, this chili recipe gets its flavor from chipotles in adobo, ground cumin, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. There's plenty of protein thanks to crumbled tofu and a can of black beans, which you'll add after the vegetables and spices cook together.
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Ginger-Lemongrass Broth with Noodles, Silken Tofu, and Broccoli
For a hearty, fragrant noodle soup to warm your soul and nourish your body, try this recipe. Chicken broth is enhanced with an aromatic combination of onion, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, and Thai chile.
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Tofu with Ginger-Cilantro Sauce
Tofu takes on smoky, charred flavors when grilled outdoors—or on a grill pan indoors. The green sauce made with scallions, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños adds a kick of heat and brightness.
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Freezer Burritos
Prepare lunch or dinner for the week with these make-ahead, freezer-friendly burritos. Fill flour tortillas with mashed beans and chile powder, two kinds of rice, tofu, our Easy Roasted Vegetables, and mixed greens.
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Roasted Cherries with Tofu "Panna Cotta"
Bet you've never thought of serving tofu for dessert! In this recipe, steamed tofu is topped with roasted cherries tossed with honey, lemon juice, and raspberries. It's a fruity, silky, syrupy dessert that will disappear from your plate in a flash.
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Soba-Noodle Bowl with Tofu
Make this 30-minute vegetarian meal when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Nutty, chewy soba noodles are dressed with a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and chili sauce, then topped with sautéed asparagus and silken tofu.
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Miso Soup
There's nothing like slurping a bowl of this warm, umami-rich soup right before the start of a sushi dinner. It's a simple, super speedy soup that tastes just like a restaurant's version.
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Vegan Banana French Toast
A dairy-free version of French toast, this recipe might not be traditional but it is delicious. Bananas, tofu, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon are blended together for creamy base that's almost too good to be true.
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Mapo Tofu
Prepare for some serious heat in this stir-fry pork and tofu dish that is delicious served with rice. Wondering what gives it so much spice? A combination of black-bean chili sauce, fermented chili bean paste, and Szechuan peppercorns add layers of flavor.
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Chinese Corn-and-Mushroom Soup
In just 20 minutes, this spicy and savory vegetarian soup comes together. The vegetables cook directly in the broth (be sure to use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian); then, silken tofu, soy sauce, sambal oelek, and toasted sesame oil are added.
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Crispy Fried Tofu
Here's an innovative side dish that everyone will enjoy. Firm tofu is cut into sticks, tossed in cornstarch, and fried until airy and crispy. Dip them in sriracha mayonnaise, which is a genius alternative to ketchup.
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Lumpia
A staple of Filipino cuisine, these tofu and shrimp spring rolls are a savory starter that are easy to eat. The filling is also made with mung bean sprouts, garlic, and scallions, and they're all served alongside our Vinegar-Garlic Dipping Sauce.
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Tofu with Baby Bok Choy and Rice Noodles
Often the simplest dishes are the most special. This 30-minute, gluten-free meal only calls for rice noodles and firm tofu, plus flavorful ingredients like peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, bok choy, scallions, and fresh ginger.
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Tofu with Tomatoes, Basil, and Mint
Even vegans can enjoy the wonders of an Italian Caprese salad. Here, we've swapped in soft tofu in place of the usual mozzarella cheese, which packs in plenty of protein with far less fat.
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Tofu Kebabs with Cilantro Sauce
Isn't everything more fun to eat when it's on a skewer? And you'll want to drizzle this cilantro sauce on anything and everything!
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"Barbecued" Tofu
Finger-licking and perfect in a sandwich, this is a delicious meat-free alternative to pulled pork, brisket, or any other traditional barbecue meats. Complete the feast with cornbread, baked macaroni and cheese, and our Vegetarian Collard Greens.
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Tofu Scramble with Cotija Cheese and Tortillas
These Tex-Mex-inspired tacos will please everyone from picky eaters to carnivores and omnivores alike, making it the perfect family-friendly meal.
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Soy-Maple Broiled Tofu with Broccoli
A takeout-inspired dish that you can make any day of the week in less than 30 minutes.
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Pad Thai Classic Stir-Fried Noodles
Who doesn't love stir-fry? Our version calls for all of the classics—a combination of soy sauce, tamarind concentrate, and Thai fish sauce, plus a trio of tofu, shrimp, and pork for an epic feast that the whole family can dig into.